Early childhood education

Description

Early childhood education is a branch of education theory that relates to the teaching of children from birth up to the age of eight. Traditionally, this is up to the equivalent of third grade. 

Early childhood care and education (ECCE) is more than preparation for primary school. It aims at the holistic development of a child's social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs in order to build a solid and broad foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing.

At no other time in a person’s life does one learn and develop as fast and intensely as in the early years. The care and attention a child receives in the first eight years of life – particularly during the first three years – are critical and influence the child for life. Learning is not confined to children of a certain age or to a formal school environment. In fact, babies learn rapidly from the moment of their birth. Scientific research shows that the experiences children have early in life—and the environments in which they have them—shape their developing brain architecture and strongly affect whether they grow up to be healthy, productive members of society (You can read relevant research at the Harvard Center for the Developing Child website). Young children grow and learn the most when they receive affection, attention and stimulation in addition to good nutrition and proper health care.  Investments in early child development through supportive care, early learning activities and improved school readiness along with health and nutrition interventions increases the likelihood that boys and girls will complete primary school.